10 Cheapest Ways to Rent a Car in LA

Los Angeles—the City of Angels, the entertainment capital of the world, and the ultimate road trip destination. To truly experience the sprawling city, from the beaches of Santa Monica to the glamour of Hollywood, you absolutely need a car. But the cost of a rental can quickly turn your dream vacation into a budget nightmare.

We’re here to show you exactly how to secure a cheap car rental in LA without sacrificing quality or peace of mind. We’ll cover everything from simple booking hacks to secrets for securing cheap car rentals monthly.

The 10 Cheapest Ways to Secure Your Car Rental in Los Angeles

1. Book the Right Way, and Book Early (The Golden Rule)

The single most effective way to find a cheap car rental is to book it the moment your flight and hotel are confirmed.

• The Sweet Spot: Aim to book at least 7-14 days in advance, though 2-3 weeks is even better for major holidays. Car rental prices are dynamic, much like flights, and increase dramatically in the last week.

• Embrace Flexibility (But Use the Cancellation Loophole): Many rental companies allow you to book now and pay later with free cancellation. Use this to your advantage! Book a great rate, and then set a calendar reminder to check prices weekly. If the price drops, cancel your first reservation and rebook at the lower rate. This is the ultimate hack for securing a cheap car rental.

2. Skip the LAX Airport Premium Fee

Airport convenience comes with a hefty price tag. Rental agencies at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) impose an Airport Concession Fee (ACF) and other facility charges that can add up to 10-15% to your total bill.

• Go Off-Site: Search for Cheap car rentals near me by looking at locations in nearby areas like Inglewood, El Segundo, or West Hollywood. Use public transport or a short rideshare to get there. Even accounting for a small rideshare fee, you often save significantly over the entire rental period.

3. Become a Master of Comparison Sites & Direct Booking

Never use just one website. This is how you find the true lowest rate for a cheap rental car.

• The Aggregator Start: Use comparison tools (like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Momondo) to quickly scan hundreds of providers for the base rate. This gives you a great starting point for finding cheap car rentals USA wide.

• The Direct Book Check: Once you find the lowest price, go directly to that rental company’s website (Hertz, Budget, Dollar, etc.) and search for the same dates. Sometimes, the official site offers an even lower "book direct" price, or at least a rate that is comparable but includes better terms or loyalty points.

4. Downsize to an Economy or Compact Car

In LA, smaller is smarter. Booking the most economical vehicle is the easiest way to ensure a cheap car rental.

• Cheaper to Rent: Economy cars (like a Kia Rio or similar) always have the lowest daily rate.

• Cheaper to Drive: They save you money on gas, which can be a significant cost over a long trip in sprawling LA.

• The "Upgrade Hack": Book the smallest class you can live with. Economy cars are the most frequently booked out. By reserving a small car, you increase your chances of getting a free upgrade to the next class up (like a compact or intermediate) if the rental agency runs out of your reserved class.

5. Leverage Your Memberships & Affiliations

Don't ignore the power of the plastic in your wallet or the clubs you belong to. These can unlock exclusive discounts for a truly cheap rental car.

• Credit Card Benefits: Check if your credit card offers primary or secondary car rental insurance. If it does, you can confidently decline the rental company's expensive Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), potentially saving $15-$30 per day!

• Wholesale Clubs (Costco, AAA): Memberships like Costco Travel often negotiate rates that are significantly lower than public prices, often including a free additional driver. AAA also offers discounts, particularly with Hertz.

• AARP/Military/Alumni: Always check the "Discount Code" or "Coupon Code" section for discounts for members of AARP, USAA (Military), or even your University's Alumni Association.

6. Say NO to All Optional Extras

Rental companies make a massive chunk of their profit on upselling features you don't need. Say no to save big on your cheap car rental.

• GPS/Navigation: Use your smartphone (Waze, Google Maps) and save $10-$15/day. Bring a car mount.

• Roadside Assistance: Your personal auto insurance or credit card likely covers this.

• Pre-paid Fuel: Never accept this. You pay for a full tank regardless of how much you use. Just fill the tank yourself right before returning the car.

7. Consider a Long-Term Rental for Short-Term Savings

If your trip is close to a week, or if you need a vehicle for an extended stay, look into rates for cheap car rentals monthly.

• The Weekly Rate Trap: Agencies often structure pricing so that a 5-day rental costs almost as much as a 7-day rental. Always price out a full week to see if the overall daily rate drops significantly.

• Monthly Programs: If you need the car for 28 days or more, specialized "Budget by the Month" or "Enterprise Exotics" programs offer dramatically lower daily rates than four separate weekly bookings. This is essential for finding the most cheap car rentals monthly.

8. Scrutinize the Insurance Policy (The Hidden Cost)

The biggest budget buster is almost always the insurance.

• Personal Auto Policy: Call your insurance company before you travel to confirm if your personal auto policy extends collision and liability coverage to a rental car in California. If it does, you only need to consider the deductible.

• Decline CDW (When Covered): If your credit card or personal insurance offers primary coverage, confidently decline the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered at the counter. This single step is often the largest saving.

9. Explore Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing

For the most aggressively low daily rates, look beyond traditional cheap car rentals USA.

• Turo and Getaround: These car-sharing platforms connect you directly with local car owners. You can often find a cheap rental car for significantly less than a major agency, though terms, mileage limits, and insurance structures vary wildly, so read the contract carefully.

10. Watch Out for the Additional Driver Fee

If you plan on sharing the driving, the additional driver fee is a daily surcharge that adds up fast.

• Check Spousal Waiver: Many major companies (like Enterprise) waive the additional driver fee for a spouse or domestic partner, provided you both have the same address on your licenses.

• Leverage Memberships: As mentioned, AAA and Costco memberships often include a free additional driver benefit with partner rental agencies.

Final Word

Finding a truly cheap car rental in Los Angeles is less about luck and more about strategy. By booking early, avoiding the airport, saying no to unnecessary add-ons, and leveraging your existing memberships and insurance, you can dramatically cut down your costs. Whether you need a quick weekend rate or a cheap car rental monthly program, these ten tips are your roadmap to keeping your money in your pocket while enjoying the freedom of the open California road. Happy travels! For more information, visit Car Rent Services now!